In Memory of Sandra Sharp

Sandra Jean Sharp, born December 10, 1942, in Lamberton, Minnesota, to Edwin and Mabel Pauling, passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by the love of her family and friends. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Friday, May 22, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth: 4777 US-53, Saginaw, MN 55779.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandra’s memory to the Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge: 2500 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Sandra Jean Sharp
12/10/1942 – 5/15/2026

Sandra was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose love and kindness touched those around her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip, with whom she shared a deep and unmeasurable love. Sandy was a hard-working and devoted mother to her three children, Julie, Kim, and Scott, when she first crossed paths with Phill, who was living in Oregon and working with her brother-in-law as a long distance semitruck driver. What was, at first, a casual meeting quickly grew into a committed love, and Sandy knew she had found a devoted and special man who would love not only her but take on the mantle of being a faithful father to three children. Phill packed up his truck with everything he owned and moved out to start a life together with Sandy. They married on August 2, 1974, and later were blessed with a fourth child, Patrick.

In their retirement they started a new chapter together, turning their cabin on Ash Lake into their dream home and a place of solace and sanctuary. A place where they would make a tapestry of cherished memories with family and friends. In 2012 Sandy, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and life significantly changed – but their love for each other did not. It grew stronger and fiercer. Eventually Sandy’s evolving illness required the difficult move away from Ash Lake and closer to family. But each step of the way, Sandy and Phill embraced every challenge together. In February 2023, Sandy and family unexpectedly grieved the loss of Phill. The deep void left behind was unfathomable, but Sandy stood in the hope of one day seeing Phill again in heaven. Their bond was of a rare and treasured kind, a love story without parallel. They enjoyed all of life together – working side by side, building their dreams, living adventures, capturing joy in the highs, and remaining steadfast together in hardships.

Sandra loved her family fiercely and treasured the friendships she built throughout her life. Her greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved and formulating lasting memories. Family and friends were central for her – building treasured memories camping, traveling, fishing, and being outdoors with those she loved. She loved tending to her gardens, fishing, boating, and just being in nature. She and Phill would take off for a pontoon ride on Ash Lake or just set out for fun on the ATV. Yet she was always up for reading a good book, playing her organ, baking, or working on a new crafting or sewing project. She was creative and resourceful. The holidays, especially Christmas, were always a deeply cherished time for her: the festivities, togetherness, and joy it encapsulated was meaningful to her – whether it was baking Christmas cookies, sharing stories and laughter near a crackling fire, or taking a winter adventure outside. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy – and she looked for every opportunity to spend quality time with them.
Sandra was strong and resilient. Over the past 14 years, she fought a long and difficult battle with cancer – facing its many challenges and trials with unmatched courage, grace, and determination. Her husband, Phill, stood unwaveringly by her side. And their strength together was a testimony and encouragement to all who knew them.

Although we grieve the loss of Sandy, and her passing has left an incredible emptiness in our hearts, we know that the love we experienced while with her lives on in, and is a part of, each of us. Even more, we stand in the hope of Christ’s resurrection, that we will one day be reunited with her.

She is survived by her four children: Julie Melhart, Kim Hertog (Tom), Scott Sharp (Carolyn), and Patrick Sharp (Sereen); nine grandchildren: Gretchen, Kyle, Jesse, Sabrina, Kala, Kade, Kyler, Cale, and Adelle; and three great-grandchildren: Ahmayah, Elowyn and Sutton.